The Asbury Park City Council held its latest meeting on November 12 at 6 pm in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. Mayor John Moor, Deputy Mayor Quinn, and all council members in attendance, along with other city officials.
A few agenda items included:
- Resolution accepting a state grant for mental health and system advocacy services within Asbury Park
- Resolution authorizing the purchase of four flashing pedestrian crossing signs.
- Resolution authorizing submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice for 2025 Community-Based Violence
- Intervention and Prevention Initiative
- Resolution awarding a contract to Millennium Communications Group for the police camera expansion project
- Ordinance for a long-term tax exemption for redevelopment at 1012 Asbury Avenue
Before the meeting began the council presented a proclamation to Ed Salvas, honoring his five decades of service in broadcasting and journalism. Councilmember Angela Ahbez-Anderson led the tribute, highlighting his years as the radio voice of the Asbury Park Press, where he spent 21 years as a respected reporter and newscaster. In 2013, Salvas became a founding member of the Asbury Park Cable Television Committee (APTV), an organization that has since earned statewide recognition with more than 20 awards from the Jersey Access Group (JAG). The council expressed its appreciation for his long-standing commitment to public access media.
This meeting moved at a steadier pace compared to the previous two and drew a solid turnout from the public. City Clerk Anthony Cucci followed standard procedure by opening the floor for council announcements, and each member shared updates.
Councilmember Ahbez-Anderson thanked Leesha Floyd and the Recreation Advisory Committee for organizing a successful Halloween Trunk or Treat. She commended Floyd for her dedication to Asbury Park’s youth and thanked all participants who decorated their vehicles and donated candy. She said she looks forward to next year’s event.
Ahbez-Anderson also addressed a mistake she made during the October meeting regarding a resolution involving the Mercy Center. She acknowledged voting “no” in error—though the resolution still passed unanimously—and wanted the organization to know she has supported it for years. She noted that her daughter attended Sisters Academy and stated, “I supported them then, I support them now, and in the future.”
Councilmember Eileen Chapman announced several upcoming holiday events. On December 5, the First Friday “Art and Sound at the Station” pop-up art and music event will take place at the Asbury Park Transportation Center from 5 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, December 13, a Kwanzaa celebration will be held at the Senior Center on Atkins Avenue from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by a Christmas tree lighting at Springwood Park at 5 p.m.
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Councilmember Yvonne Clayton shared that the Quality of Life Committee, in partnership with Monmouth County Meets the Needs and the Mercy Center, is collecting hurricane disaster relief donations for Jamaica. Items requested include rice, flour, cornmeal, oats, sugar, salt, canned sardines, mackerel, tuna, condensed milk, corned beef, canned fruit, tea bags, kidney beans (dry or canned), and baby food. Donations may be dropped off on Monday, November 17, at the Islander Caribbean Restaurant. Questions can be directed to 917-543-5276 or to Clayton at City Hall.
Deputy Mayor Quinn recognized Cassandra Dickerson, Director of Community and Cultural Affairs, for her swift response to the federal government’s shutdown of SNAP benefits. Quinn commended Dickerson for helping quickly organize food giveaways for residents experiencing food insecurity.
Mayor Moor closed the council announcements by wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
During the public comment session, several residents and community members raised concerns.
A resident of Monroe Towers thanked the council for addressing security issues at the building, which she described as “very serious.” She noted that the problems worsen in colder months when more individuals who do not live there attempt to enter, posing potential safety risks.
A representative from the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce promoted the Holiday Window Decoration Contest. Businesses may enter by calling 732-775-7676 or emailing the Chamber. Decorations must be displayed by November 26; judging will occur on November 28. Awards will be given for Most Festive, Best Use of Recycled or Repurposed Materials, and a People’s Choice Award determined by public vote. He also announced that the Downtown Tree Lighting will be held on December 6, with festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the official lighting by Santa Claus at 6 p.m. Additionally, the annual Menorah Lighting, supported by Chabad of the Shore, will take place on December 16 at 6 p.m. in Kennedy Park.
Another resident and business owner on Cookman Avenue expressed concerns about declining foot traffic. He warned that without action, businesses on Cookman, Bangs, and surrounding streets could be at risk. He said this past summer was the worst he has seen. He urged the council to implement strategies—such as a dedicated social media campaign—to draw more visitors to town. He added that he and other business owners are ready to help improve the situation.
Mayor Moor thanked him for raising the issue and encouraged business owners to enroll in the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program, which provides funding opportunities that could help address these challenges. He said the council will consider the social media suggestion and discuss potential solutions.
A Webb Street resident raised concerns about the development of a vacant lot between 7th and 8th Avenues and Webb and Kingsley Streets. He said Starfield, the developer, closed 8th Avenue in January for a street-widening project, moved construction vehicles and dirt onto the site, and made little progress since. The street reopened for Memorial Day weekend, remained open through the summer, and was then closed again. He said the area appears to be used only as a staging site, and because he relies on street parking—returning home from work late—he has been forced to park several blocks away.
He noted that after speaking with Councilmember Chapman, he learned that key city officials were unaware the street had been closed and that the city manager would follow up to have it reopened.
Mayor Moor said the email he received last week was the first notice he had about the closure and thanked the resident for bringing it forward. He stressed the importance of residents reporting issues because unauthorized actions—such as closing a street without proper approval—cannot be addressed if the city is unaware of them.
The next Asbury Park City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
